6 ways to save at the Royal Adelaide Show

It’s Spring, which for Adeladians means “The Royal Adelaide Show is coming!” From Friday 30 August to Sunday 8 September thousands of families will spend hundreds of dollars on tickets, rides, show bags and food at the Royal Show.

As budget-savvy scrimpers and savers, we’ve come up with our top six tips to save money (over $200!) at the Royal Show this year.

ENTRY

1. Did you know that kids under 5 are free? If you’re a family with pre-schoolers, head to the show before 1pm on Wednesday 5 or Thursday 6 of September and entry is only $17.50 per adult (compared to $27.50 per adult at the gate). If you can’t get there on Wednesday or Thursday, there are many other discounted tickets available, check out theshow.com.au, and pre-purchase your tickets at IGA, Foodland or Ticketek.

GETTING THERE

2. If you live somewhere along the Tonsley, Belair or Seaford train line - catch the train to save on parking! The train station is right next to the showground. Those not in the southern suburbs can also use the bus, O-Bahn or tram. (Make sure your MetroCard is topped up to avoid paying premium ticket fares).

SHOWBAGS

3. Showbags can be a money guzzler, instead of spending $26 on 4 show bags for each child! Let your child choose one show bag valued at up to $26 (or whatever you deem appropriate), then spend a little more on only one lolly or treat show bag that can be shared out between all your kids. Or encourage your kids to spend their pocket money here - to teach them about the value of each individual show bag. An even better and healthier option is to participate in the Yellow Brick Road trail to collect local produce and samples, for only $12 per participant!

FOOD

4. Bring your own food – kids love picnics! Or head to the pavilions – you can always find free samples!

ENTERTAINMENT

5. Avoid the rides, let the kids use their own pocket money, or set a limit of one ride each per child. Don’t fall into the trap of wasting your time and money hanging around and lining up for the rides. If rides are a big attraction for your family, you can save a few dollars by buying ride coupons at your local IGA, Foodland or Ticketek.

FREE EVENTS

6. There are so many free attractions and events to see and do. Check out the Royal Adelaide Show Facebook for so many ideas of things to see and do. Some of our favorites are the stage shows, cooking and artist demonstrations, judging and competitions, the plentiful animal experiences and, of course, the fireworks!

For more information, visit theshow.com.au and check out the Show Magazine for discount coupons.